Mitchell photographic prints of the Chatham Islands

Photograph prints of images taken on the Chatham Islands between circa 1900 to 1930s, with the majority taken in circa 1920s, by photographer Owen Cecil Mitchell.

- Prints feature images of Tommy Solomon (also known as Tame Horomoana Rehe). He is seen in individual portraits and at other events with other community members. One image may have been taken in Christchurch. Rugby teams, family groups, a child with her toys, a young Pakeha woman wearing a Maori cloak, some young people riding a cow, ladies resting on the side of a path, and other social groups, including the tennis team at Lakehouse Tennis Court, are depicted.

- Numerous scenic shots show island vistas, with an emphasis on coastal scenes often with rock formations and surf breaking. South East Island, The Horns, and Pitt Island are identifiable locations. Chatham Island lily and Ake Ake trees and other flora are featured in some images. Wildlife includes sea lions, [Albatrosses?] nesting, and a dead shark on a beach with four men standing on it between the dorsal fin and tail.

- Images of industry and agriculture show steamers, fishing boats, and row boats. Bales of wool are seen being loaded onto a vessel and a wharf and shed [at Kaingaroa?]. A farm dog is shown standing with two trophies and there are images of other farm dogs and sheep.

- Mitchell's postcards are titled "Maori & Moriori in Camp", "Sheep under the Ake Ake trees", "Wharf and Shed", and one lists the roll of honour and donations made by Chatham Islanders to the World War I war effort as at October 1915 (this photograph is taken by D F Blyth). Also includes a portrait of an unidentified man, the print of which has been made from a copy negative.

- One image shows two men with a pile of human skulls and other bones, some of which they are holding but the rest of which they have arranged on the beach beside them.

Hei whakamōhio: He whakaahua o ngā kōiwi tangata i roto i tēnei taonga.

Please be aware this object/item contains images of human remains.

Quantity: 107 b&w original photographic print(s) (Loose).

Physical Description: Silver gelatin photoprints and postcards